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  • June 19: Walpole Island First Nation Summer Solstice Celebration
















    You are invited to the 2026 Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) Summer Solstice Celebration on Walpole Island at High Banks Park (2149 River Rd.) on June 19, starting at 12pm!

    There will be free BBQ, horse and carriage rides, live music, pontoon rides, and MUCH MORE!

    Then join at 10pm for a FIREWORKS SHOW! See flyer for more details!

    If you are interested in volunteering, please message them on Facebook or email darr.sands@wifn.org

    Sponsored by WIFN Social Services, WIFN Health Centre, Wiijnokiiying Ontario Works.


    All are welcome!
















    You are invited to the 2026 Walpole Island First Nation (WIFN) Summer Solstice Celebration on Walpole Island at High Banks Park (2149 River Rd.) on June 19, starting at 12pm!

    There will be free BBQ, horse and carriage rides, live music, pontoon rides, and MUCH MORE!

    Then join at 10pm for a FIREWORKS SHOW! See flyer for more details!

    If you are interested in volunteering, please message them on Facebook or email darr.sands@wifn.org

    Sponsored by WIFN Social Services, WIFN Health Centre, Wiijnokiiying Ontario Works.


    All are welcome!

  • June 20 2026: Indigenous History in Canada Presentation


    Indigenous History in Canada

    Saturday, June 20, 1:30 - 3:30 PM

    Spirit and Life Centre 184 Wellington Street West, Chatham.

    Registration required online or call 519-352-8530.

    Free will offering accepted.

    Presentation by Tesa Fiddler, Kitchinuhmaykoosib Inninuwug & Onigaming First Nation and Sharon Giroux, M'Chigeeng First Nation.

    Tesa and Sharon, educators and former presenters at the Unted Nations, will provide a brief historical overview of Indigenous people in Canada, highlighting key events and their ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. They will also explore the efforts of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) in fostering inclusive, safe, and accepting educational environments


    Indigenous History in Canada

    Saturday, June 20, 1:30 - 3:30 PM

    Spirit and Life Centre 184 Wellington Street West, Chatham.

    Registration required online or call 519-352-8530.

    Free will offering accepted.

    Presentation by Tesa Fiddler, Kitchinuhmaykoosib Inninuwug & Onigaming First Nation and Sharon Giroux, M'Chigeeng First Nation.

    Tesa and Sharon, educators and former presenters at the Unted Nations, will provide a brief historical overview of Indigenous people in Canada, highlighting key events and their ongoing impact on Indigenous communities. They will also explore the efforts of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA) in fostering inclusive, safe, and accepting educational environments for both staff and students.

    Participants will gain insights into the association's initiatives, resources, and strategies aimed at promoting reconciliation and meaningful support for Indigenous perspectives within the education system.

    Hosted by the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board.

  • Aug 7 - 9 2026: Caldwell First Nation 2nd Annual Competition Pow Wow


    August 7 - 9, 2026

    Caldwell First Nation Reserve, Mersea Road 1, Leamington

    Mersea Road 1 (beside Caldwell Gas & Variety)

    Everyone is welcome.

    $10 admission fee. Seniors $5. Children 4-8 free.

    Grand entries:

    Friday August 7, 6:00 PM

    Saturday August 8, 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM

    Sunday August 10, 12:00 PM

    No pets. Drug & alcohol free event. Bring a lawn chair. Security on-site 24 hours.


    Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

    A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training

    Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training

    Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate


    August 7 - 9, 2026

    Caldwell First Nation Reserve, Mersea Road 1, Leamington

    Mersea Road 1 (beside Caldwell Gas & Variety)

    Everyone is welcome.

    $10 admission fee. Seniors $5. Children 4-8 free.

    Grand entries:

    Friday August 7, 6:00 PM

    Saturday August 8, 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM

    Sunday August 10, 12:00 PM

    No pets. Drug & alcohol free event. Bring a lawn chair. Security on-site 24 hours.


    Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

    A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training

    Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training

    Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training


    Tips for Attending:

    Listen to the Master of Ceremonies/Emcee – they’ll explain what’s happening to help visitors.

    Ask permission before taking pictures.

    Don’t touch people’s regalia without permission. They are not costumes and hold special meaning to dancers.

    Support the vendors. Some vendors may have interact or etransfer options, but please make sure you have cash on hand as well.

    Outdoor settings are sometimes uneven so watch your footing.

    Sometimes bleachers are available for people, but it never hurts to bring a chair with you.

    Seats closest to the dancing circle are reserved for singers, dancers, and drummers.

    Respect that some sections set aside for those with mobility issues to sit with mobile chairs or walkers.

    Leave pets at home as animals are not necessary at cultural gatherings and ceremonial functions.

    Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.

    Have fun!

  • May 16-17 2026: Walpole Island First Nation Spring Pow Wow

    On May 16th and 17th, 2026 Walpole Island First Nation will host their 32nd annual Spring Pow Wow in Bkejwanong Territory.

    Walpole Island Sports Complex Fairgrounds 770 Tecumseh Road. Inside arena if inclement weather forecasted.

    Free to attend. All are welcome.

    Grand entries Saturday at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM and Sunday at 12:00 PM.

    Park at mall, arena, side of road.

    Limited bleachers on-site. Bring camping chairs, Interac or e-transfer for vendors. ATM also on-site.

    Learn more about the Pow Wow on their Facebook Page.


    Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

    A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows

    On May 16th and 17th, 2026 Walpole Island First Nation will host their 32nd annual Spring Pow Wow in Bkejwanong Territory.

    Walpole Island Sports Complex Fairgrounds 770 Tecumseh Road. Inside arena if inclement weather forecasted.

    Free to attend. All are welcome.

    Grand entries Saturday at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM and Sunday at 12:00 PM.

    Park at mall, arena, side of road.

    Limited bleachers on-site. Bring camping chairs, Interac or e-transfer for vendors. ATM also on-site.

    Learn more about the Pow Wow on their Facebook Page.


    Learn more about Pow Wows and etiquette:

    A primer on Indigenous Pow Wows from Indigenous Corporate Training.

    Indigenous Pow Wow Protocols from Indigenous Corporate Training

    Indigenous Pow Wow Dances from Indigenous Corporate Training


    Tips for Attending:

    Listen to the Master of Ceremonies – they’ll explain what’s happening to help visitors.

    Ask permission before taking pictures.

    Want to get in on the dancing? Listen for the Intertribal dances - these are for all people present to partake in the dance.

    Don’t touch people’s regalia without permission. They are not costumes and hold special meaning to dancers.

    Support the vendors. Some vendors may have interact or etransfer options, but please make sure you have cash on hand as well.

    Outdoor settings are sometimes uneven so watch your footing.

    Sometimes bleachers are available for people, but it never hurts to bring a chair with you.

    Seats closest to the dancing circle are reserved for singers, dancers, and drummers.

    Respect that some sections set aside for those with mobility issues to sit with mobile chairs or walkers.

    Leave pets at home as animals are not necessary at cultural gatherings and ceremonial functions.

    Sometimes specials can include placing a blanket on the ground for generous donations by visitors.

    Ambulance and police are present.

    Don’t bring alcohol or drugs.

    Have fun!